The short version: Grandma's Goodies is now Lazar Family Bakehouse. The name changed. The recipes did not. Every batch still follows Grandma Jeanne's original mandel bread recipe, the one written by hand on a worn piece of yellow notebook paper.
What is mandel bread?
Mandel bread is a traditional twice-baked cookie, similar to Italian biscotti. The dough is shaped into a log, baked, sliced, and then baked a second time. "Mandel" is the Yiddish and German word for almond, which is why so many versions, including one of our flavors, carry a warm almond and cinnamon note. Because it is sturdy rather than fragile, mandel bread travels well, holds up to coffee or tea, and makes an easy gift.
The family behind the name
Our story started with Grandma Jeanne. She was a talented baker with a lifelong habit of giving back to her community, and her chocolate chip mandel bread was the family favorite. She packed her suitcase with desserts instead of clothes so she could share them wherever she went, and she kept baking well into her nineties.
Her recipe became a family keepsake. Saturday mornings in our house meant the smell of baking and a kitchen full of people, and that tradition is what eventually grew into a small business. We first called it Grandma's Goodies because that is exactly what it was: Grandma's recipes, shared a little more widely.
So why Lazar Family Bakehouse?
As we grew, we wanted the name to say exactly who we are. We are the Lazar family, and we bake. "Grandma's Goodies" described the treats. "Lazar Family Bakehouse" tells you whose kitchen they come from and the standard we hold ourselves to. It also gives us room to grow while keeping Grandma Jeanne's recipe at the center of everything we make.
The values are unchanged too. We still donate 5% of our profits to local food banks, in the same spirit that led Grandma Jeanne to always find a reason to give.
What is staying the same
Here is what that means, with nothing left vague:
- The recipes are unchanged. Same mandel bread, same flavors, same twice-baked delicate crunch.
- The ingredients are unchanged. Still made in small batches with no added preservatives.
- The people are unchanged. The same family bakes every order.
- The home base is unchanged. We still bake in the south Denver, Colorado area and ship nationwide.
The only things different are the name and logo on the pouch.
Where to start
If you are new here, our Chocolate-Chip MandelBites are the flagship and the best first taste of Grandma Jeanne's recipe. Prefer almond and cinnamon? Try the Almond MandelBites. Baking for a crowd or a celebration? The Funfetti! MandelBites are made for it. Eating gluten-free? Our Gluten-Free Chocolate-Chip MandelBites use the same recipe without the gluten. You can browse the full shop here or read more about Grandma Jeanne and our story.
Want the lighter, sillier side of the rebrand? Read about why crazed fans supposedly took to the streets for MandelBites.
Frequently asked questions
What is mandel bread?
Mandel bread is a traditional twice-baked cookie similar to biscotti. It is baked, sliced, and baked again. It is often flavored with almond, nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon.
Did the recipes change when Grandma's Goodies became Lazar Family Bakehouse?
No. The recipes, ingredients, and flavors are exactly the same. Only the brand name and logo changed.
Why did Grandma's Goodies rebrand to Lazar Family Bakehouse?
The new name says directly who makes the cookies. We are the Lazar family, and we wanted the brand to carry our name while keeping Grandma Jeanne's original recipe at the center.
Where is Lazar Family Bakehouse located?
We bake in the south Denver, Colorado area and ship nationwide across the United States.
Is mandel bread the same as biscotti?
They are similar to another. Both are twice-baked. Mandel bread is traditionally made with oil rather than butter. The tough crunch in biscotti is not found in our mandel bread.